In October, Finnish–Namibian research and education cooperation will gain a new and solid foundation as the Finnish Southern Africa Cooperation Institute (FSAI) formally opens its doors in Windhoek. The opening will be accompanied by a two-day international symposium bringing together researchers, policymakers and representatives of civil society from several countries to explore food security and sustainable agriculture in dryland areas.
📅 9–10 October 2025
📍 Namibia Scientific Society, 110 Robert Mugabe Ave., Windhoek
💻 All sessions will be live-streamed online
Ceremonial Opening
The institute’s opening ceremony begins on Thursday morning with introductory remarks by the Chair of FSAI’s Board. Speakers from different sectors will highlight the importance of cooperation from the perspectives of government, churches, politics, diplomacy and higher education. Following an address by Finland’s Minister of Science and Culture, a representative of Namibia’s Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture will convey a greeting on behalf of the Minister. The voices of the churches will be heard through the Bishop of Helsinki Diocese and the General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia. The Chair of the Finnish Parliament’s Namibia Friendship Group will outline the group’s work in fostering parliamentary dialogue and strengthening bilateral relations. Finally, the Ambassador of Finland to Namibia and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia will welcome the Institute to Windhoek and to Namibia. The ceremony will be concluded by the Director of FSAI.
Symposium: Solutions for Food Security in Drylands
Immediately after the opening, a two-day symposium will bring together scholars, businesses and decision-makers to seek solutions to food security, drought and sustainable agriculture. The programme is organised jointly by FSAI, the FinNam Research Academy and the University of Namibia, with contributions from Finnish companies.
Themes include:
• Opportunities for plant-based foods in Africa
• Cultivation and sustainable use of soils in drylands
• Innovative solutions for the use of water and nutrients
• University–industry collaboration to strengthen food security
The symposium will also launch the first book of the BAORULA network, which examines the potential of baobab and marula in supporting food security.
Poster Session
The programme includes a poster session where PhD students present selected research related to agriculture, food science, natural sciences and environmental studies. The posters highlight work that best aligns with the symposium’s themes and with the collaborative priorities in Southern Africa.
Historians Without Borders Panel
The first day will conclude with a special panel organised by the Embassy of Finland in Namibia and the Historians Without Borders association. Finnish and Namibian historians together with societal actors will discuss how historical knowledge can support dialogue and contribute to conflict prevention. Panel participants include historians from the University of Namibia, researchers from the University of Helsinki, and representatives of Historians Without Borders.
International Participation
The events will bring together distinguished guests from Finland and Namibia, as well as researchers and experts from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi, France and the United Kingdom.
Further Information
Dr Moammar Dayoub
✉️ moammar.dayoub@utu.fi
Please see the Scientific Programme here
Please see the Programme for the Historians without Borders Panel here
